Police, community and calendar briefs for Jan. 10, 2014

Published: Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 6:03 p.m.

POLICE BEAT

Deputies searching for missing man, 59

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for a 59-year-old man who has been reported missing.

Danny Randolph Hardy was last seen in a CVS store in Summerfield. He was wearing blue jeans, a black leather jacket, a black or gray T-shirt and tan shoes. Hardy, who is from Groveland, stands 5-feet 10-inches tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He wears glasses.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts can call the Sheriff’s Office at 732-9111.

Two acquitted officers return to work at jail

The two Marion County Sheriff’s Office corrections officers found not guilty of beating an inmate returned to work Thursday.

Capt. James Pogue said Dustin Lay and Richard Smith are assigned as corrections assistants and will have no direct supervision of inmates.

Pogue said the men will receive back pay from the time they turned themselves into the jail on Oct. 14 to Jan. 9.

“I’m thrilled that they’re back at work, and I think the Sheriff’s Office has made the right decision,” said attorney Mike Finesilver, one of the defense lawyers speaking on behalf of both Lay and Smith.

Despite the acquittals, an internal affairs investigation is underway, and the men could face disciplinary action.

COMMUNITY

County’s HUD grant workshop is Tuesday

Marion County anticipates receiving Community Development Block Grant funds for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In preparation, Marion County Community Services will offer a technical assistance workshop from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at 2631 SE Third St., Ocala. Individual consultations will be made available upon request.

For more information, visit www.marioncountyfl.org/solidwaste.htm or call 671-8465.

Teaching zoo offers vet assistant certification

The Florida International Teaching Zoo will offer a 14-week veterinary assistant certification lecture program beginning Tuesday. Classes will be held 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Villages High School, 251 Buffalo Trail, The Villages.